'I'm thinking of what Sarah said...'

*For all of you who know where the title comes from, don't worry, I'm not sitting in a hospital at the moment, watching a friend or loved one 'die', as Ben Gibberd sings about so melodically in 'What Sarah Said' from Death Cab For Cuties album 'Plans'. It is, however, a wonderful CD to wake up to after, what was, an incredibly long and stressful day yesterday and an even stranger dream from last night.

*Monday's are probably the worst at work for teachers. Not only are they met with students who simply do not want to be there based on the mere fact that it is Monday, but we also have meetings until 5pm every Monday. I'm not saying they're not useful, simply commenting on the fact that after arriving at work at 730, most teachers staying until about 6pm or later on Monday's, simply because we were unable to get work done between the hours of 3-5. Ouch. Last night I dragged myself home, made dinner, cleaned my kitchen, planned for my year 12 lesson today, spoke with Adam for an hour, and then dragged myself to bed, all by 930pm. I feel a bit like a child or an elderly woman, falling asleep at 930 in the evening. And yet, I suppose it's to be expected when you're working 11 hour days most of the week (that is what comes with being a teacher--I knew this going into the profession). Regardless, I still manage to have a life outside of school, what with frisbee, running, my wonderful boyfriend, and spending quality time with friends; I suppose when you're in this situation, you just have to. There's no room for 'I'm too tired' or 'I've had a long day' because, let's face it, everyone works, and everyone puts in fairly long hours as well (regardless of their occupation). Yes, there are times when I just simply collapse, and that's just how it is; however, I think that if I were to let the fact that I'm tired after work get in the way of me taking part in a variety of activites after work, I would have very little social life left. It's nice to know, a good year and a few months into teaching, that I've found my happy medium.

*This past weekend Adam and I ran our 5K with all the tree huggers around London (the charity was for planting trees in and around the London area--so I'm not kidding when I say 'tree huggers'). We did it in 30 minutes, but that was only because I had to stop and walk a bit--my stomach began cramping up and that pulled us behind. To think I could have done it in about 28 minutes--there is always next time! My next race is the half marathon in MK (though that's not until March). This year I'm planning on 2:10:00 instead of 2:17:00.

*Paris this weekend! Ever since I was taken to Paris by my grandparents back when I was a sophomore in college, I've always wanted to go with someone I loved (of course I love my grandparents! I'm talking about a significant other). This weekend is going to be simply wonderful; I can tell already. A lovely 4 star hotel, during a brisk autumn weekend, in the City of Love! It's almost too romantic that I'm feeling a bit nauseous ;) (Just kidding of course).

*I have a few pictures to put up here with my new camera from this past weekend. I think I'm going to start putting up pictures into an online photo album (only pictures that come out really well). And speaking of pictures, I am going to (hopefully) have a wonderful photo op this summer when I travel with Adam (and I believe a few other people) from England to Mongolia by car to raise money for people in Mongolia (clean water, better educational facilities/supplies, medicine, etc.). You can check it out here. I'm so incredibly excited!

Year 2.

*Today was my first full day back at school. I couldn't help thinking about my first full day of teaching last year; looking back on the the scene, it was something out of a horror film. There was a moment where I knew I had officially lost control of my year 8 class and the temptation to run out of the room screaming was quite overpowering; a stark contrast to my classes today. I'm satisfied to say that I'm still here, one year later, still going strong. My ultimate challenge, or perhaps, challenges, begin(s) tomorrow, when I meet, for the first time, my year 12 students. A step above the lower school and two steps below university students, I'm worried I'm going in expecting far too much of them. Luckily, these students are the best of the best from year 11 last year, which will make my job slightly easier. As my next step will (hopefully) focus more on post 16, I've decided that my main focus, with regards to improving and moving forward with my teaching, will be on post 16 teaching skills. And finally, my biggest challenge, by far this year, will be my year 10s. Looking at my roster, I have some students from last year whom I know that, as early as day 1, I will need to 'lay down the law' for them with regards to deadlines, behavior in class, and becoming more responsible. They're not going to like me-- I can certainly tell you that right now; however, they're going to be thanking me when most, if not all, either meet or go beyond their targeted grade.

*I'm starting to get serious with my graduate applications. I've started my personal statement, contacted one of my two references, and decided on the piece of writing from undergraduate that I'd like to use. I'm nervous, excited, and anxious all at the same time. I feel as bit like I'm applying (again) for undergraduate; only this time, I have all of the credentials, and not some asinine standardized test holding me back from where I truly want to go (in hindsight, the SATs did force me to go to Towson; something that I actually am grateful for).

*Adam and I booked our hotel for Paris and we're set to go on the 25th of September. This place is so much of a steal it's practically ridiculous: 165 per person for two nights in a 'Deluxe Room' that has a terrace (and this is the kicker) looking out on the Eiffel Tower! The rooms are beautiful, the ratings were fantastic, and the location could not be any better! All I can say is Happy Birthday to the both of us :)

*Tree-Athalon on the 19th of September in London. 5k to raise money for planting trees in and around London. If you have any questions, would like to donate a pound to add to my 25 pounds, or just want to come watch on that Saturday, here's the link: http://www.tree-athlon.org/